Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of tomato supplementation on the normal rat heart and the role of oxidative stress in this scenario. Male Wistar rats were assigned to two groups: a control group (C; n = 16), in which animals received a control diet + 0.5 mL of corn oil/kg body weight/day, and a tomato group (T; n = 16), in which animals received a control diet supplemented with tomato +0.5 mL of corn oil/kg body weight/day. After three months, morphological, functional, and biochemical analyses were performed. Animals supplemented with tomato had a smaller left atrium diameter and myocyte cross-sectional area (CSA) compared to the control group (C group: 474 (415–539); T group: 273 (258–297) µm2; p = 0.004). Diastolic function was improved in rats supplemented with tomato. In addition, lipid hydroperoxide was lower (C group: 267 ± 46.7; T group: 219 ± 23.0 nmol/g; p = 0.039) in the myocardium of rats supplemented with tomato. Tomato intake was also associated with up-regulation of miR-107 and miR-486 and down-regulation of miR-350 and miR-872. In conclusion, tomato supplementation induces changes in miRNA expression and reduces oxidative stress. In addition, these alterations may be responsible for CSA reduction and diastolic function improvement.
Highlights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of mortality in the United States (US)
Animals supplemented with tomato had a lower left atrium (LA) and LA corrected by body weight (BW)
IRT/RR0.5 was lower in the tomato group; the lower LA and IRT/RR0.5 suggest an improvement in diastolic function in rats supplemented with tomato
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of mortality in the United States (US). According to the World Health Organization, in 2030, CVD will be responsible for almost 23.6 million deaths worldwide [1]. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced cardiovascular risk [2]. Modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, immune response, endothelial function, blood pressure, and lipid metabolism are mechanisms that could explain the beneficial effects of fruit and vegetable consumption [2]. Dietary modification and food supplements are attractive methods for CVD prevention and management. Among these interventions, consumption of tomato and tomato-based foods is associated with a lower risk of cancer, such as prostate cancer, and with a decrease in cardiovascular risk [3,4]
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